‘Final stages’: Fabrizio Romano gives Joao Felix transfer update ahead of Chelsea vs Manchester City

Chelsea are just hours away from getting their Premier League campaign up and running again for another season. Another new manager in the form of Enzo Maresca is preparing to take the reins at Stamford Bridge, and faces the tricky test of Manchester City in his first game.

The boss will have been hoping that his team’s transfer business would be near enough completed by now, considering the window is approaching its final days. However, reports have stated that they are not done yet, and are weighing up a move to bring Joao Felix back to the club.

It was thought that the interest originally came from the fact that the Conor Gallagher deal was close to collapsing that would see him head the other way.

Chelsea in final stages of signing Joao Felix

Now though, it looks as if they are actually close to bringing the Portugal international in. Fabrizio Romano has claimed a deal is in the final stages just hours before the Blues get their new season underway.

He said: “Chelsea have today advanced to the final stages that will see Joao Felix return to the club. The expected transfer fee for will be €40-45million + add-ons.”

Felix competing with Cole Palmer for minutes

It currently remains to be seen what position Felix takes up on the field, with him playing a variety of roles last time he was here. His usual role behind the striker is likely to be filled by Cole Palmer, with the star player expected to play more of a role centrally this season.

Reports have refused to rule out Felix even being Chelsea’s last signing of the summer, with a natural striker still being discussed.

It has been claimed that Victor Osimhen is high on the club’s list of potential targets for a potential late coup, however it remains to be seen if a deal that suits both parties can be agreed between the two clubs.